Lacey Police Looking For Lakewood Man Who Stole Car

Lacey police are looking for a Lakewood man who stole a woman’s 2014 Kia Optima while she was visiting her sister at a Route 9 residence, Police Chief David A. Paprota said.

Officer George Resetar responded to 811 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor on a theft report at 11:06 p.m. on Feb. 16. The victim told police that while she was visiting her sister at the Lanoka Harbor home, her car was stolen by Melvin Ozoria, 25, New Central Avenue, Lakewood, the chief said.

Ozoria took the keys off a table inside the residence and left with the vehicle to an unknown location. Municipal Court Judge Damian G. Murray issued a $20,000 complaint warrant for theft of movable property, Paprota said.

Ozoria brought the vehicle back to the residence at approximately 3:24 a.m.on Wednesday, Feb. 17. The vehicle appeared to have been involved in an accident, with significant damage to the passenger side. The victim and Ozoria engaged in a verbal altercation that turned physical. Ozoria then fled the area without the car, the chief said.